Ricardo Cepeda | Image: Screengrab from Julius Babao UNPLUGGED/YouTube
Ricardo Cepeda shared that he is going to make a comeback on “Batang Quiapo” following his recent release from prison after posting bail for syndicated estafa.
Cepeda stated that actor-director Coco Martin sent him a message discussing his return to the action-crime series.
“Actually, si Coco nag-message sakin na hinahanda na lang ‘yung story para sa balik ng character ko kasi hindi naman pinatay ‘yung character ko nung na-arrest ako… Yung kasama niya tumawag to confirm talaga, so sabi ko, ‘Salamat, at least my work na,’” he told Julius Babao in an interview.
Cepeda plays the role of Richardson Wu in “Batang Quiapo” until his arrest in October of last year.
The seasoned actor then revealed that he also received other project offers during his 11-month imprisonment.
‘Yung mga indie nung nasa loob pa ako nag-tatanong kung free ako. Pero nag-message sila nung nakita nila ‘yung balita, ‘yung dates na lang. Sabi nila, ‘Uy, congratulations nakalabas ka, tuloy na natin may mga nakapila’ Sabi ko, ‘Sure. I need it,’” he shared.
The 59-year-old actor also remarked that now that he’s free, he’s looking forward to continuing what he has been doing in showbiz and “more,” like joining certain initiatives in relation to his experience in prison.
“May mga nag-offer sakin to join their groups, advocacies para sa mga nade-detain, para sa mga overstaying na… Sinasabi nila ‘yung mga tao daw ‘yung ano, but it’s not. Hindi ‘yung tao, but the court system, the flaws that have to be improved,” he explained.
In October 2023, Cepeda was arrested by authorities in Caloocan City for 43 counts of syndicated estafa and complaints for violations of the Bouncing Check Law and Republic Act 8799, or the Securities and Regulation Code for allegedly enticing investors to join a sales company in Cagayan.
Syndicated estafa is a nonbailable offense under Art. 315, (2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Presidential Decree No. 1689 that carries the maximum penalty of reclusion perpetua, or life imprisonment.